Eternal Debt (Utang na Di Kayang Bayaran)

By Pastor John Mateos Ong

When we opened this series, Genesis 1:27 was explained. God created man in His own image, even if we all do not look alike! We are all made of body, soul and spirit. But the serpent deceived man into sin. He will start by questioning what God tells you. The enemy knows God’s word and he can use that against you too. Back then, there was only one standard for man. But when man ate of the fruit, they had their own conscience, which was only based on what God said. It is not the Holy Spirit. So God banished them from the Garden of Eden, bot as a punishment but so that we can be redeemed and reunited with him in heaven.

God gave the 10 commandments but it failed. The first covenant failed. Hebrews 8:6-8 says, “But in fact the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, since the new covenant is established on better promises. For if there had been nothing wrong with that first covenant, no place would have been sought for another. But God found fault with the people and said: “The days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah.” If anybody would have followed these, God could have just rested.

The weight of the law was too heavy. James 2:10 says, “For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.” It makes it impossible to obey the covenant.

The law was never literal. Matthew 5:21-22 says, ““You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.” Verses 27-28 also says, ““You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” The 10 commandments are not actually based on action - it is based on your heart.

We are incapable. Leviticus 22:20 says, “Do not bring anything with a defect, because it will not be accepted on your behalf.”

So what is the law for?

To guard us. Galatians 3:24 says, “So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith.”

For awareness of sin. Romans 3:20 says, “Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin.”

How?

1 Peter 1:18-19 says, “For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.” No one could make the sacrifice except Jesus who is the only one who is perfect and without blemish.

NOW WHAT?

Colossians 2:13-14 says, “When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.” Jesus cancelled your debt.

1. Keep yourself pure. 1 John 3:2-3 says, “Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.” The children of God are waiting excitedly, looking forward to Christ’s coming. The goal is to be like Jesus.

2. Honor God. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 says, “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” You were bought for a price therefore you became a temple of the Holy Spirit. Wherever you go, you bring the Holy Spirit with you. You bring God’s light with you. Everything you do should be worship.

3. Rejoice, pray and give thanks. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Believers are always happy, pray for everything and are grateful for all things. If you do not have anything to be thankful for, Romans 8:32 says, “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?”  God already gave you His own Son, his most precious gift. How can you not see it? If you receive Jesus, you are already a winner. Be grateful for that.

What can you give to God in exchange for His gift of eternal life? Give something that’s worth it. Give something that hurts. When God gave Jesus to you, you already won the biggest prize.